PHOTO CALL: Irena's Vow Opening Night

By Matthew Blank
September 26, 2008

The world premiere of Irena's Vow officially opened at the Baruch Performing Arts Center Sept. 22.

Penned by Dan Gordon and directed by Michael Parva, the Directors Company production stars four-time Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh in the title role. Also featured in the cast are Sandi Carroll, Tracee Chimo, Steven Hauck, Scott Klavan, Peter Reznikoff, Thomas Ryan, Gene Silvers, John Stanisci and Maja Wampuszyc.

The new play, according to press notes, is "the riveting, life affirming story about one of the most courageous and unsung heroines of World War II. During the German occupation of Poland, Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish catholic, was forced to work as head housekeeper for a very prominent German major. Over a two year period of service, Irena would risk her own life in order to protect the lives of twelve Jewish refugees whom she secretly took under her care. Irena's Vow is the extraordinary true story of one woman's choice and the twelve lives that would ultimately be saved — or lost — by her decision."

Tickets, priced $55, are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting the Baruch Performing Arts Center box office, located at 55 Lexington Avenue at 25th Street.

Here is a look at the opening-night reception held at the Polish Consulate on 233 Madison Avenue:

Playwright Dan Gordon and Tovah Feldshuh		Consul General of Poland Krzysztof W. Kaspryzk and Tovah Feldshuh

Producer Stanley Raiff and director Michael Parva		Roman Haller, the real life child portrayed in the work, with Scott Klavan, the actor who plays him

Thomas Ryan, Dan Gordon and John Stanisci

Cast members Sandi Carroll, Peter Reznikoff, Maja Wampuszyc, Thomas Ryan and Tracee Chimo

All photos by Aubrey Reuben